Places to celebrate MLK Day

Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday, meaning banks and government offices will be closed. Philadelphia public schools will also have a holiday.

Some King-inspired events in the region include:

Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service projects: Thousands of people throughout the region will use their day off to volunteer to benefit the larger community. Projects range from painting buildings to collecting coats to participating in arts and crafts projects

For information: www.mlkdayofservice.org.

National Constitution Center: The center is hosting events all day to honor King. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors will be treated to live music and dramatic performances, including readings from King's "I have a dream" speech starting at noon and 2 p.m. There will also be arts and crafts activities.

For information: http://www.constitutioncenter.org/ncc_calen_Landing.aspx?code=3808.

Congregation Adath Jeshurun: The Jewish Social Policy Action Network and the NAACP of Cheltenham are co-sponsoring a talk by a former Maryland State Trooper, Neill Franklin, that will discuss race, the criminal justice system and the drug war. The congregation is located at Old York and Ashbourne Roads in Elkins Park. The event begins at 7:15.

To register: 215 635 2554. For more information: www.jspan.org.

Girard College: For the second year in a row, the college is the signature site of the annual Greater Philadelphia King Day of Service. Events include a children's carnival and a health and wellness fair.